Willock Doubts 'All 13 Must Go'
Julian Willock, a prospective Third District candidate, has cast doubt on the feasibility of the 'All 13 Must Go' campaign that seeks to unseat every current legislator at the next general election. Speaking on the Talking Points programme, Willock confirmed his bid for the Third District and said sweeping out all incumbents would amount to a political revolution.
Julian Willock, who has officially declared his intention to contest the Third District at the next general election, says he doubts the grassroots “All 13 Must Go” campaign can realistically remove every sitting member of the House of Assembly. Speaking on the Talking Points programme, Willock — a self-described long-standing supporter of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) — said he had “no view” on the campaign but questioned the likelihood of a complete turnover. “If somebody could get all 13, then more power to them,” he said. “If there is somebody in the BVI who can get all the 13 legislators out of office, then more power to them.
I have no view on that.” The movement has gained momentum on social media and in public forums amid wider frustration with governance, accountability and the pace of reform. Supporters argue that replacing all current legislators would reset political leadership and restore public trust.
Observers, however, have warned that dislodging every incumbent in one election would be unprecedented. Willock echoed that caution, calling a full sweep “a revolution” and suggesting it would be the biggest political story for years if it happened. “It’s hardly likely. In every country, there’s a few seats that are strong seats,” he said.
Willock is set to challenge veteran politician Julian Fraser, who has represented the Third District since 1999. Fraser has recently indicated he intends to stay in office “until the proverbial fat lady sings,” underlining the longevity and incumbency advantage in some constituencies.
With the next general election constitutionally due by mid-2027, conversations about political renewal and accountability are likely to intensify across the Territory. For voters in the Third District and beyond, Willock’s candidacy adds another voice to debates about party leadership, performance and the prospects for change.
Willock made clear his preference for seeing the VIP returned to office, while also signalling that wholesale replacement of all sitting legislators would be extraordinary. Whether the “All 13 Must Go” movement translates into electoral victories will depend on how local campaigns, incumbency strength and voter sentiment play out in the months ahead.
Primary source: BVI News